Date: 20th January 2022
TO: All Mandate Members, Dunnes Stores Ballincollig
RE: Covid-19 and Back to Work Interviews
Dear Member
Below find copy of correspondence sent to Company today regarding above matters for your information.
Yours sincerely
For Mandate Trade Union
John O’ Donnell
Industrial Officer Organiser
REF: JOD/JOR
20th January 2022
Mr. Aidan Murphy
Store Manager
Dunnes Stores
Main St.
Ballincollig
Co. Cork
By Post only
Re: Covid-19 and Back to Work Interviews.
Dear Mr. Murphy
Following multiple calls from our members in store, all of whom have stated their concern regarding managements’ response when they are contacting the store to report a positive PCR or Antigen test, I am requested to address these issues with the company as a matter of urgency.
I am informed that when a staff member contacts the store to report that they have returned a positive PCR or Antigen test they are being challenged by management regarding the result and are being spoken to in an extremely threatening and aggressive manner. I must remind you that the health, safety and wellbeing of all staff employed by the company should be treated as a matter of utmost priority. The challenging of said test results, which are conducted by medical practitioners and in keeping with public health advice, shows a blatant disregard for both the staff and public health advice.
I am also informed that back to work interviews are being conducted on the shop floor in front of other members of staff and the general public. It is greatly concerning that management are taking this approach to conducting said meetings as any and all matters discussed at these meetings are bound by privacy and confidentiality. The fact that these meetings are taking place on the shop floor displays a distinct lack of concern for our members privacy and unprofessionalism on managements’ behalf.
I require confirmation by return that the company will comply with their obligations in respect of the public health advice with regard to all Covid-19 related matters in the workplace.
Furthermore, please confirm that all back to work interviews will be conducted in a private setting and in a confidential manner.
Yours sincerely
For Mandate Trade Union
John O’ Donnell
Industrial Officer Organiser
cc. All Members